Exhibiting at PACK EXPO is a powerful way to showcase your packaging, processing, and automation innovations to an audience of engaged industry professionals. But beyond booth design and product displays, logistics and freight shipping play a vital role in your show’s success.
Shipping to PACK EXPO isn’t just a matter of sending boxes—it’s a process with strict timelines, specific requirements, and plenty of potential pitfalls. Whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a returning pro, here’s what you need to know to get your freight to PACK EXPO safely and on time.
Shipping to a large-scale show like PACK EXPO involves coordination between several important groups:
Freeman is the official contractor for PACK EXPO. They oversee freight handling, booth setup and teardown, labor coordination, and more. You can ship through Freeman or choose to work with a specialized trade show shipping provider like Diversified Transportation Services (DTS) for personalized logistics support.
This year, PACK EXPO is hosted at the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC). This is your final delivery destination—whether you're shipping to the advance warehouse or sending your materials directly to the venue.
These companies—like DTS—are logistics professionals who arrange the pick-up, transport, and delivery of your exhibit materials. A trade show shipping provider helps ensure that your booth arrives on schedule, while also helping with paperwork, tracking, and support throughout the process.
Advance planning is the key to a stress-free show. Here are some essential shipping prep steps to keep in mind:
Your exhibit materials will likely be moved multiple times—during loading, transit, and unloading. Use sturdy crates, reinforced boxes, and shrink wrap to protect your display. Avoid last-minute packing and always label clearly.
Don’t forget these handy tools for setup day:
Each item in your shipment needs clear labeling with:
Labels can be created on the Freeman exhibitor portal or provided by DTS when you book your shipping through them. Always remove any outdated labels and apply new ones to all visible sides of each package.
The Exhibitor Service Manual, provided by Freeman, contains every detail you need for shipping success. You’ll find:
Reading through this manual is one of the most important pre-show tasks you can do—it helps avoid surprise fees and delays.
How should you send your materials to PACK EXPO? There are two primary options, and each comes with pros and cons:
Sending to the advance warehouse means your freight arrives early (up to 30 days before the event). Freeman will then deliver it directly to your booth during your designated move-in window. This option gives you peace of mind and reduces the risk of missing your setup time.
Shipping direct-to-show is ideal for last-minute booth additions or exhibitors operating on tighter timelines. Your materials are sent to arrive on your target move-in date—but this option is more time-sensitive and subject to delays due to dock congestion or limited receiving hours.
Trade show shipping is not like everyday freight. With strict timelines, union labor rules, and marshalling yard protocols, it pays to work with a company that specializes in event logistics.
Diversified Transportation Services (DTS) will:
Check out our Guide to Trade Show Shipping for a complete walkthrough of timelines, best practices, and industry tips.
Get a quote for PACK EXPO shipping today! Let us help your show run smoothly from start to finish.
Call us at (310) 521-1200 or click below to request your personalized PACK EXPO shipping quote.
Whether you're a company looking to improve one facet of your supply chain, your entire supply chain, or simply looking for a transportation and logistics consultation, we can help.
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